Method of chemically disinfecting a vehicle

ABSTRACT

A chemical disinfection process for vehicles using chlorine dioxide and titanium dioxide with calculated re-treatment formulas and schedules based on bacterial infestation data. Systems and methods that include client devices and servers that monitor and control a chemical disinfection process. The system generates a surety arrangement that facilitates re-treatment and electronic notification alerts to chemical solution vendors, dealers and vehicle owners.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.15/787,650, filed Oct. 18, 2017, which claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 62/409,712, filed Oct. 18, 2016. Each patentapplication identified above is incorporated here by reference in itsentirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods of vehicledisinfection including application and re-application of chemicalsuspensions in vaporized form. More particularly, the disclosure relatesto systems in methods for assuring program re-application andmaximization of disinfection efficacy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Titanium dioxide (“TiO2”) compounds have a number of properties thatmake them particularly well-suited for application to high use surfaces,such as vehicle upholstery and interiors. In the presence of sunlightand water vapor, TiO2 forms hydroxyl radicals that are proven to reducebacteria populations. TiO2 naturally absorbs light from the ultravioletrange of the electromagnetic spectrum, although different compounds canbe formed to shift the absorbed range. For example, adding nitrogen mayallow the compound to absorb light from the visible range. Once theenergy from sunlight is absorbed, TiO2 compounds react with water vaporin the air to break one of the O—H bonds, transforming H2O into OH—,otherwise known as a hydroxyl radical. These OH— molecules effectivelyoxidize germs and bacteria through a reduction reaction. The reductionreaction disrupts the cell wall of the bacteria causing it to rupture.

Nevertheless, even in high concentrations, TiO2 is safe for humancontact. Use of TiO2 has been approved by the FDA, and it is commonlyused in many consumer items, such as sunscreen and sunblock.

TiO2 can be synthesized with a particle size of as low as one micron,making it capable of being embedded in many types of surfaces. TiO2'sability to embed itself in a wide variety of surfaces allows it to beeffective in the highly varied interior of a vehicle. The interior of avehicle often includes a wide variety of surfaces, such as cloth,leather, metal, plastic, polyester and glass. Moreover, vehicleinteriors are prone to germ and bacteria build up over time. Further,vehicles are generally exposed to air and sunlight, making TiO2 apreferred solution for vehicle disinfection.

Regular cleaning of a surface that has been treated with TiO2 willeventually remove a majority of the TiO2 particles. Also, in time, TiO2particles become embedded in surface dust. Thus, regardless of how thesurface is treated, it will inevitably become necessary to re-treat thesurface with TiO2 to maintain the benefits initially present.

The prior art has recognized TiO2 for vehicle applications, but has notsolved the problems associated with efficient application of it formaximum disinfection.

For example, WO 2016/093770 to Lim discloses a system and method forcleaning a vehicle solution containing a nanoparticle metal oxide.However, the system is adapted to cleaning exterior surfaces of avehicle, does not provide for re-application of the solution and failsto monitor the efficacy of the treatment.

U.S. Publication No. 2010/0234263 to Wasan, et al. discloses a solutioncomprised of water insoluble nanoparticles in a suspension, includingtitanium dioxide, for use in cleaning solutions including vehiclecleaning compounds. However, the solution does not leave deposits ofTiO2 embedded in the vehicle surfaces, obviating the benefits of thephotocatalytic reactions.

U.S. Publication No. 2009/0057401 to Brott, et al. discloses a methodfor providing periodic vehicle washes on a prepaid account byautomatically identifying a vehicle with an affixed tag. However, themethod does not include treatment of the vehicle interior with TiO2 nordoes it vary the composition of the TiO2 solution based on testfeedback.

WO 2017/034487 to Payakkawan discloses a system for dispersing TiO2 intothe cabin of a vehicle and then exposing the TiO2 to an artificialsource of UV light. However, the system does not use an aqueous solutionof TiO2 that deposits nanoparticles in the surfaces for continuousself-cleaning over time, nor does it measure the efficacy of thetreatment and prescribe appropriate re-treatment chemistry.

Thus, there is a need for systems and methods to properly create anddisperse an aqueous solution of TiO2, to track and measure the efficacyof the TiO2 in preventing microbial build up, to alter re-treatmentchemistry, and to generate and transmit electronic notifications tocoordinate retreatment for maximum beneficial effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure includes a preferred formation for a solution ofTiO2 that can be dispersed into a vehicle's interior as an airbornesuspension. Preferably, an airborne suspension of between 20 and 40microns will leave the TiO2 embedded in most surfaces in a modernvehicle, allowing the photocatalytic reactions to take place. Othercompounds are required, as will be further described. Certain compoundscan be varied in amount based on test feedback, thereby altering theefficacy of the resulting suspension.

In a preferred embodiment, systems and methods for a chemicalapplication process includes client devices and servers that monitor andcontrol the chemical application process. The system generates anapplication process update alert based on a vehicle selection andcollects measurement data from an application process based on theapplication process update alert. The system generates a surety requestbased on a user selection, the vehicle selection, and the measurementdata. The system generates a status and approval code based on thesurety request.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the detailed description of the preferred embodiments presentedbelow, reference is made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a preferred embodiment.

FIGS. 2A-2H are a sequence diagram of a method performed by the systemfor performing chemical application process and monitoring re-treatment.

FIG. 3 is a method of reinsurance of treatment obligations between adealership and an insurance underwriter.

FIG. 4 is a method for the performance of obligations between adealership and a product vendor.

FIG. 5 is a method for the performance of obligations between adealership and a vehicle owner.

FIG. 6 is a method for the performance of obligations between dealershipand product vendor.

FIG. 7 is a method for the performance of obligations between dealershipand Insurance Underwriter.

FIG. 8 is a table of chemical components for a preferred embodiment ofan aqueous solution of TiO2.

FIG. 9 is a graph of test results of bacteria level measurement data.

FIG. 10 is a graph of test results of bacteria level measurement data.

FIG. 11 is a graph of test results of bacteria eradication levels.

FIG. 12 is a table of chemical components for a preferred embodiment ofan aqueous solution of TiO2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1 , system 100 includes several networked devices,including user client device 104, administration server 116,administration client device 128, dealer server 140, dealer clientdevice 152, surety server 164, surety client device 176, vendor server188, and vendor client device 105. System 100 operates to control thechemical application process based on measurements from the process andbased on the type of vehicle to which the process is being applied.

User client device 104 includes: set of processors 106, memory 108, andnetwork connection 114. Set of processors 106 includes at least oneprocessor to execute programs stored in memory 108. Memory 108 includesapps 110 and data 101, which include instructions that are executable byset of processors 106 to perform the functions of system 100. Networkconnection 114 connects user client device 104 to internet 102. In apreferred embodiment, user client device 104 is used by the owner of thevehicle to purchase a package of at least one application spread outover at least one year and to schedule the applications.

Administration server 116 includes: set of processors 118, memory 120,and network connection 126. Set of processors 118 includes at least oneprocessor to execute programs stored in memory 120. Memory 120 includesapps 122 and data 124, which include instructions that are executable byset of processors 118 to perform the functions of data 101. Networkconnection 126 connects administration server 116 to internet 102. In apreferred embodiment, administration server 116 is used to settle andcontrol the transactions between the dealer and the surety throughinteractions with dealer server 140 and surety server 164.

Administration client device 128 includes: set of processors 130, memory132, and network connection 138. Set of processors 130 includes at leastone processor to execute programs stored in memory 132. Memory 132includes apps 134 and data 136, which include instructions that areexecutable by set of processors 130 to perform the functions of data124. Network connection 138 connects administration client device 128 tointernet 102. In a preferred embodiment, administration client device128 is used to control the processing performed by administration server116.

Dealer server 140 includes: set of processors 142, memory 144, andnetwork connection 150. Set of processors 142 includes at least oneprocessor to execute programs stored in memory 144. Memory 144 includesapps 146 and data 148, which include instructions that are executable byset of processors 142 to perform the functions of data 136. Networkconnection 150 connects dealer server 140 to internet 102. In apreferred embodiment, dealer server 140 is used host a website that isaccessible by user client device 104 and dealer client device 152 forpurchasing, scheduling, and performing the chemical application process.

Dealer client device 152 includes: set of processors 154, memory 156,and network connection 162. Set of processors 154 includes at least oneprocessor to execute programs stored in memory 156. Memory 156 includesapps 158 and data 160, which include instructions that are executable byset of processors 154 to perform the functions of data 148. Networkconnection 162 connects dealer client device 152 to internet 102. In apreferred embodiment, dealer client device 152 is used by a sales personat the dealership to initiate, setup the scheduling for, and perform thechemical application process as well as to interact with administrationserver 116 to submit new insurance requests and insurance claims.

Surety server 164 includes: set of processors 166, memory 168, andnetwork connection 174. Set of processors 166 includes at least oneprocessor to execute programs stored in memory 168. Memory 168 includesapps 170 and data 172, which include instructions that are executable byset of processors 166 to perform the functions of data 160. Networkconnection 174 connects surety server 164 to internet 102. In apreferred embodiment, surety server 164 is used to process insuranceunderwriting and claim requests.

Surety client device 176 includes: set of processors 178, memory 180,and network connection 186. Set of processors 178 includes at least oneprocessor to execute programs stored in memory 180. Memory 180 includesapps 182 and data 184, which include instructions that are executable byset of processors 178 to perform the functions of data 172. Networkconnection 186 connects surety client device 176 to internet 102. In apreferred embodiment, surety client device 176 is used monitor andcontrol the activity of surety server 164.

Vendor server 188 includes: set of processors 190, memory 192, andnetwork connection 198. Set of processors 190 includes at least oneprocessor to execute programs stored in memory 192. Memory 192 includesapps 194 and data 196, which include instructions that are executable byset of processors 190 to perform the functions of data 184. Networkconnection 198 connects vendor server 188 to internet 102. In apreferred embodiment, vendor server 188 is used to host a website thatis accessed by dealer client device 152 to determine the appropriatesettings for the chemical application process based on one or more ofthe type of vehicle, amount of interior space, amount of interiorsurface area, the number of previous applications, the length of timesince the last application, and pre-application measurements.

Vendor client device 105 includes: set of processors 107, memory 109,and network connection 111. Set of processors 107 includes at least oneprocessor to execute programs stored in memory 109. Memory 109 includesapps 115 and data 113, which include instructions that are executable byset of processors 107 to perform the functions of data 196. Networkconnection 111 connects vendor client device 105 to internet 102. In apreferred embodiment, vendor client device 105 controls and monitors theactivity of vendor server 188 as well as updates the data, formulas, andinformation used to determine the parameters of the chemical applicationprocess.

Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2H, sequence diagram 2000 illustrates apreferred embodiment of the method used by system 100. The devices ofsystem 100 generate alerts, requests, and messages that are sent to oneor more other devices of system 100. Upon receiving alerts, requests,and messages, the respective devices activate and generate subsequentdata alerts, requests, and messages based on one or more of:pre-existing data on the device; data received in the alerts, requests,and messages received by the device; and, data retrieved from otherdevices in response to the data received in the alerts, requests, andmessages. In a preferred embodiment, for each of the messages generatedand passed by the system, the device generating the message generates acryptographic hash value from the information in the message, a randomnumber, and a previously generated cryptographic hash value. In apreferred embodiment, the cryptographic hash value includes apredetermined number of leading zero bits in order to be acceptable bysystem 100. Several different random numbers are attempted in order togenerate the cryptographic hash value with an acceptable number ofleading zeros.

At step 2028, user client device 2002 generates a user selectionrequest. In a preferred embodiment, user client device 2002 is activatedin response to input from an input/output device such as a one or moreof a keyboard, mouse, and touch sensitive screen and the input is usedto identify the selection of the number of chemical process applicationsand the duration between the chemical process applications, which areencoded into the user selection request. In the context of TiO2disinfection of a vehicle, the selection may be of a time period forre-application of the TiO2 solution, such as one re-application annuallyfor 1, 5, 10, or 15 years.

At step 2030, user client device 2002 sends the user selection requestto dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2032, dealer client device 2010 generates a dealerselection request. A dealer selection request is useful when the userhas no smart phone and the dealer makes the selection for the user onthe dealer client device.

At optional step 2034, dealer client device 2010 sends the dealerselection request, which is received by dealer server 2008.

At step 2036, an approval code is generated by dealer server 2008.

At step 2038, dealer server 2008 sends the approval code, which isreceived by user client device 2002.

At optional step 2040, dealer server 2008 sends the approval code, whichis received by dealer client device 2010.

At step 2042, user client device 2002 displays the approval code.

At optional step 2044, dealer client device 2010 displays the approvalcode.

At step 2046, a vehicle selection alert is generated by dealer clientdevice 2010.

At step 2048, the vehicle selection alert is sent from dealer clientdevice 2010 to vendor server 2016.

At step 2050, the vehicle selection alert is sent from dealer clientdevice 2010 to dealer server 2008.

At step 2052, the vehicle selection alert is sent from dealer server2008 to vendor server 2016.

At step 2054, the vehicle selection alert is transmitted from vendorserver 2016 and subsequently received by vendor client device 2018.

At optional step 2056, vendor client device 2018 displays the vehicleselection alert.

At step 2058, an application process update alert is generated by vendorserver 2016.

At step 2060, vendor server 2016 sends the application process updatealert, which is received by dealer client device 2010.

At optional step 2062, the application process update alert is sent fromvendor server 2016 to dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2064, the application process update alert is sent fromdealer server 2008 to dealer client device 2010.

At optional step 2066, the application process update alert istransmitted from vendor server 2016 and subsequently received by vendorclient device 2018.

At optional step 2068, the application process update alert is displayedby vendor client device 2018.

At step 2070, dealer client device 2010 displays the application processupdate alert.

At step 2072, application process measurements are collected by dealerclient device 2010. In a preferred embodiment, process measurements arethe bacteria count from a selected surface sample or group of surfacesamples. In an alternate embodiment, the process measurements are TiO2thickness for a given surface sample or group of surface samples.

At step 2074, dealer client device 2010 generates an applicationmeasurements alert. The application measurements alert, in a preferredembodiment, is a report including a summary of the application processmeasurements.

At step 2076, dealer client device 2010 sends the applicationmeasurements alert to dealer server 2008.

At step 2078, a product application report is generated by dealer server2008.

At step 2080, dealer server 2008 sends the product application report todealer client device 2010.

At step 2082, the product application report is displayed by dealerclient device 2010.

At step 2084, a surety request is generated by dealer client device2010. In a preferred embodiment, the surety request is a request fromthe dealer, to the administrator, for initiation of an insurancecontract for the TiO2 re-application.

At step 2086, a surety request alert is sent from dealer client device2010 to administration server 2004.

At optional step 2088, the surety request alert is sent from dealerclient device 2010 to dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2090, dealer server 2008 sends the surety request alertto administration server 2004.

At optional step 2092, the surety request alert is sent fromadministration server 2004 to administration client device 2006.

At step 2094, the surety request alert is displayed by administrationclient device 2006.

At step 2096, a surety approval request is generated by administrationserver 2004. In a preferred embodiment, the administrator requests aninsurance contract from the surety to insure the TiO2 re-application.

At step 2098, administration server 2004 sends a surety approval requestalert to surety server 2012.

At optional step 2100, surety server 2012 sends the surety approvalrequest alert to surety client device 2014.

At optional step 2102, surety client device 2014 displays the suretyapproval request alert.

At step 2104, a status and approval code is generated by surety server2012. In a preferred embodiment, the approval code is generated when thesurety issues an insurance contract for re-application of the TiO2.

At step 2106, the status and approval code is transmitted from suretyserver 2012 and subsequently received by administration server 2004.

At optional step 2108, administration server 2004 sends the status andapproval code, which is received by administration client device 2006.

At optional step 2110, the status and approval code is sent from suretyserver 2012 to surety client device 2014.

At optional step 2112, surety client device 2014 displays the status andapproval code.

At optional step 2114, administration client device 2006 displays thestatus and approval code.

At step 2116, a status and approval code report is generated byadministration server 2004.

At step 2118, the status and approval code report is transmitted fromadministration server 2004 and subsequently received by dealer clientdevice 2010.

At optional step 2120, the status and approval code report is sent fromadministration server 2004 to dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2122, the status and approval code report istransmitted from dealer server 2008 and subsequently received by dealerclient device 2010.

At step 2124, dealer client device 2010 displays the status and approvalcode report.

At optional step 2126, administration server 2004 sends the status andapproval code report to administration client device 2006.

At optional step 2128, administration client device 2006 displays thestatus and approval code report.

At step 2130, a user product application request is generated by userclient device 2002.

At step 2132, user client device 2002 sends the user product applicationrequest, which is received by dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2134, a dealer product application request is generatedby dealer client device 2010.

At optional step 2136, dealer client device 2010 sends the dealerproduct application request to dealer server 2008.

At step 2138, an application schedule is calculated and an alert isgenerated by dealer server 2008.

At step 2140, the product application schedule alert is sent from dealerserver 2008 to dealer client device 2010.

At step 2142, the product application schedule alert is displayed bydealer client device 2010.

At optional step 2144, dealer server 2008 sends the product applicationschedule alert to user client device 2002.

At optional step 2146, the product application schedule alert isdisplayed by user client device 2002.

At step 2148, application process measurements are collected by dealerclient device 2010. Hence, efficacy of the TiO2 re-application ismeasured through bacteria count or TiO2 thickness for a given surface orset of surfaces. This measurement is taken before the second applicationof TiO2 to the vehicle.

At step 2150, a vehicle selection and measurement alert is generated bydealer client device 2010. In a preferred embodiment, the vehicleselection is made by the dealer in order to identify which vehicle isbeing treated.

At step 2152, the vehicle selection and measurement alert is sent fromdealer client device 2010 to vendor server 2016.

At optional step 2154, the vehicle selection and measurement alert issent from dealer client device 2010 to dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2156, the vehicle selection and measurement alert issent from dealer server 2008 to vendor server 2016.

At optional step 2158, vendor server 2016 sends the vehicle selectionand measurement alert to vendor client device 2018.

At optional step 2160, vendor client device 2018 displays the vehicleselection and measurement alert.

At step 2161, the vehicle selection and the measurements are compared.In a preferred embodiment, the comparison is against one or moreformulas in a database that identify the spray pressure, spray duration,and chemical composition as functions of the vehicle interior volume,vehicle interior surface area. The database also includes one or moretables that specify changes to spray pressure, spray duration, andchemical composition based on the materials of the interior andmanufacturer of the vehicle. Spray pressure, spray duration, andchemical composition are all included in the settings and parameters inan application process update alert.

If the measurement is below about 50%, of its prior level, thensubstantially the same particle size, chlorine dioxide percentage, andpressure are used as from that last treatment. In a preferredembodiment, when the bacteria level, measured in relative light units(RLUs), is in a range of about 50% to about 70% of its prior level, thenthe particle size of the airborne suspension is adjusted from about 30microns downward to about 20 microns. In this way, a greater depth ofsurface penetration is achieved. When the bacteria level is in the rangeof about 70% to about 90% of the prior level then in addition toreduction in particle size, the percentage of chlorine dioxide by weightis increased by about 5%. In this way, the suspension is adjusted tobecome more lethal to recurring bacteria. In situations above about 90%,the application pressure and flowrate are increased by about 20% inaddition to the adjustment in particle size and increased chlorinedioxide. In a preferred embodiment, initial application pressure isbetween about 90 psi and about 100 psi. In a preferred embodiment,initial application flowrate is 2.5 oz/min.

At step 2162, vendor server 2016 generates an application process updatealert. In a preferred embodiment, an application process update alert isgenerated when an application of the TiO2 suspension is complete.

At step 2164, vendor server 2016 sends the application process updatealert, which is received by dealer client device 2010.

At optional step 2166, vendor server 2016 sends the application processupdate alert to dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2168, the application process update alert is sent fromdealer server 2008 to dealer client device 2010.

At optional step 2170, vendor server 2016 sends the application processupdate alert to vendor client device 2018.

At optional step 2172, vendor client device 2018 displays theapplication process update alert.

At step 2174, the application process update alert is displayed bydealer client device 2010.

At step 2175, the application process is performed, which is furtherdescribed in FIG. 5 . In a preferred embodiment, the user of dealerclient device 2010 follows the instructions received from vendor server2016 for generating correct chemical composition of the TiO2 solutionand using the correct pressure spray settings.

At step 2176, dealer client device 2010 collects application processmeasurements. In a preferred embodiment, this measurement is taken afterthe second application of TiO2 so that a comparison can be made priorapplication process measurements.

At step 2178, an application measurements alert is generated by dealerclient device 2010.

At step 2180, the application measurements alert is sent from dealerclient device 2010 to dealer server 2008.

At step 2182, a product application report is generated by dealer server2008. In a preferred embodiment, the report includes a measure ofefficacy of the TiO2 application and the number of TiO2 applicationsleft for the term of the insurance contract.

At step 2184, the product application report is sent from dealer server2008 to user client device 2002.

At step 2186, user client device 2002 displays the product applicationreport.

At step 2188, the product application report is transmitted from dealerserver 2008 and subsequently received by dealer client device 2010.

At step 2190, dealer client device 2010 displays the product applicationreport.

At step 2192, a surety claim request is generated by dealer server 2008.In a preferred embodiment, the claim request is a request for paymentunder the insurance contract.

At step 2194, dealer client device 2010 sends a surety claim requestalert to administration server 2004.

At optional step 2196, dealer client device 2010 sends the surety claimrequest alert, which is received by dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2198, the surety claim request alert is transmittedfrom dealer server 2008 and subsequently received by administrationserver 2004.

At optional step 2200, the surety claim request alert is sent fromadministration server 2004 to administration client device 2006.

At optional step 2202, administration client device 2006 displays thesurety claim request alert.

At step 2204, a claim approval request is generated by administrationserver 2004.

At step 2206, a claim approval request alert is transmitted fromadministration server 2004 and subsequently received by surety server2012.

At optional step 2208, the claim approval request alert is sent fromsurety server 2012 to surety client device 2014.

At optional step 2210, surety client device 2014 displays the claimapproval request alert.

At step 2212, surety server 2012 generates a claim status and approvalcode.

At optional step 2214, surety server 2012 sends the claim status andapproval code, which is received by surety client device 2014.

At optional step 2216, surety client device 2014 displays the claimstatus and approval code.

At step 2218, the claim status and approval code is transmitted fromsurety server 2012 and subsequently received by administration server2004.

At optional step 2220, the claim status and approval code is transmittedfrom administration server 2004 and subsequently received byadministration client device 2006.

At optional step 2222, the claim status and approval code is displayedby administration client device 2006.

At step 2224, a claim status report is generated by administrationserver 2004.

At step 2226, the claim status report is sent from administration server2004 to dealer client device 2010.

At optional step 2228, administration server 2004 sends the claim statusreport to dealer server 2008.

At optional step 2230, the claim status report is transmitted fromdealer server 2008 and subsequently received by dealer client device2010.

At step 2232, the claim status report is displayed by dealer clientdevice 2010.

At optional step 2234, administration server 2004 sends the claim statusreport to administration client device 2006.

At step 2236, administration client device 2006 displays the claimstatus report.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a method 300 of organizing repeated treatments ofTiO2 solution to a vehicle interior will be described. Beginning at step305, the dealership enters into a contract with the product vendor,whereby the dealership agrees to use system 100. At step 310, a vehicleowner enters into a contract with the dealership, whereby the vehicleowner will receive treatments with the TiO2 solution. At step 315, thedealership reports that a contract has been agreed to via dealer clientdevice 152, and the system 100 alerts the vendor. At step 320, thedealership treats the vehicle with TiO2 solution. At step 325, thedealership optionally enters into a contract with an administrator,whereby the administrator interfaces with surety servers 164 and suretyclient devices 176 on behalf of the dealership. At step 330, thedealership enters into a surety contract with a surety, whereby thesurety guarantees the contract between the dealership and a vehicleowner. At step 335, the dealership performs additional treatments of thevehicle reports them via dealer client device 152. At step 340, thedealership may optionally generate and transmit a notice to the suretyof a claim under the surety contract. At step 341, the claim is eitheraccepted or denied. The method then repeats steps 335 through 341 as thevehicle owner returns to the dealership for future reapplications of theTiO2 solution, until the contract between the dealership and the vehicleowner expires.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a method 400 for generating and transmittingnotices between a dealership and a vendor. Beginning at step 405, thedealership enters into a contract with the vendor. At step 410, thevendor determines a dealer cost Y. In one embodiment, Y is a fixedamount charged to the dealership, calculated based on the amount of TiO2solution that the dealership orders. In another embodiment, Y is arecurring cost assessed to the dealership at set time intervals, such asmonthly or quarterly. In a preferred embodiment, Y is a fixed cost percustomer contract. At step 415, the vendor ships the dealership aninitial amount B (in gallons) of TiO2 solution, equipment for theapplication of the TiO2 solution, and training materials instructing thedealership in the proper use of the equipment and application of theTiO2 solution. At step 420, the vendor enters dealership into theallocation software. The allocation software functions to track usage ofTiO2 solution and generate corresponding shipment alerts and billingentries. In one embodiment, the allocation software runs on dealerserver 140, and is configured to transmit notifications to vendor clientdevice 105, vendor server 188, or both. In a preferred embodiment, theallocation software runs on the vendor server 188 and is accessible byvendor client device 105 and dealer client device 152 via the internet102. At step 425, the vendor records in the allocation software theshipment of the TiO2 solution to the dealership. At step 430, thedealership receives the shipment of TiO2 solution, applicationequipment, and training materials, and trains the appropriate staff totreat vehicles with TiO2 solution. At step 435, the dealershipdetermines a treatment price A. In one embodiment, A is a fixed cost pertreatment. In another embodiment, A is a sliding scale depending on thenumber of previous treatments applied to that vehicle, with highervalues of A assigned when the vehicle has gone for long periods of timewithout treatment. Other embodiments are possible, and determination ofA may be influenced by a number of factors, including the make, model,and age of the vehicle, the climate, especially the amount of sunlightand moisture experienced or expected, and known driving habits of thevehicle owner, such as infrequent uses of the vehicle and storage awayfrom sunlight. At step 440, the dealership determines a reapplicationperiod P, measured in months. At the end of reapplication period P, thevehicle will need to be re-treated with TiO2 solution. In a preferredembodiment, reapplication period P is between about 6 and about 18months, and ideally 12 months. At step 445, the dealership determines aset of treatment contracts [K₁, K₂, K₃ . . . ] to be offered to vehicleowners. Set of contracts [K₁, K₂, K₃ . . . ] may be offered inincrements of reapplication period P. Vehicle owners may agree to enterinto a contract K_(n) such that K_(n) lasts for (n×P) months andinvolves (n+1) treatments. At step 450, the dealership determines a setof prices [X₁, X₂, X₃ . . . ] corresponding to set of contracts [K₁, K₂,K₃ . . . ]. In a preferred embodiment:X≥(A(n+1))+Y  Eq. 1where:

-   -   X=contract price    -   A=cost/application    -   n=number of treatments    -   Y=dealer cost

Referring to FIG. 5 , a method 500 for the treatment of a vehicle withTiO2 solution. Beginning at step 505, the dealership cleans the interiorof the vehicle in preparation for treatment of the interior with theTiO2 solution. Soap and water plus a diluted solution of chlorine bleachis recommended. The TiO2 solution is an aqueous solution of TiO2 thatleaves TiO2 nanoparticles embedded in the surfaces of a vehicle'sinterior. Thorough cleaning is required before treatment with TiO2solution to allow the TiO2 sufficient contact of the suspension with allinterior surfaces. At step 507, bacteria contamination levels are testedand logged. At step 510, the dealership determines the formula of theTiO2 solution to be applied and configures the application equipment. Ina preferred embodiment, the contamination test results are entered intothe system, which then derives a proper formulation and pressuresettings. In another embodiment, the dealer client device 152 receivesnotifications from vendor server 188 with instructions regarding theproper formula to use based on test results. In an alternate embodiment,the vendor prepares the solution and the dealership receives itpre-mixed based on a generalized application schedule. The applicationequipment is configured to produce the proper airborne suspension. In apreferred embodiment, the initial application includes particle sizes ofbetween about 20 and 40 microns. In a preferred embodiment, theapplication equipment is a physical suspension vaporizer that isconfigured to produce droplets with a diameter of approximately 25 to 30microns delivered at about 95 psi. In a preferred embodiment, thephysical suspension vaporizer is a B&G fogger model no. 2300 availablefrom B&G Equipment, Co. of Atlanta, Ga. In another preferred embodiment,the application equipment can be spray bottles, aerosol cans, or spraycans that produce droplets with a diameter of less than 100 microns. Atstep 515, the dealership seals all vehicle openings, then applies thesuspension through an intake air vent or window of the vehicle. In oneembodiment, approximately 4 ounces of TiO2 solution dispensed for a 4passenger vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the amount is calibratedbased on the interior surface area known to exist for the make and modelof the vehicle. The amount of adjustment is approximately about 20% lessfor 2 passenger vehicles and about 20% more for 6 passenger vehicles. Ingeneral, addition of about 20% more solution is added for every additionof 2 passenger capacity. At step 520, the vehicle resealed. The vehicleis left undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to allow the suspension to cure. Inone preferred embodiment curing can be accelerated by application ofultraviolet light, preferably in the range of about 320 nm to about 395nm. At step 525, interior surfaces are wiped, removing the excess (nowdry) solution, leaving TiO2 nanoparticles embedded in all interiorsurfaces. At step 530, the vehicle is certified as treated. In oneembodiment, the certification may comprise applying a sticker to thevehicle, indicating that it has been treated with the TiO2 solution. Inanother embodiment, the certification may comprise a database entry,recording that the vehicle has been treated with the TiO2 solution inthe records of the dealership. In a preferred embodiment, thecertification comprises placing a sticker with the date of the treatmenton the vehicle windshield, to be replaced when future treatments areapplied. At step 535, the dealership logs into the allocation softwarevia dealer client device 152 and reports that a treatment was applied.At step 540, the dealership returns the vehicle to the owner.

Referring to FIG. 6 , a method 600 for tracking the performance of thedealership and the vendor. Beginning at step 604, the dealership logsinto the allocation software. At step 605, the dealership elects toeither proceed to step 610 and report the treatment of a vehicle, orproceed to step 640 and report the existence of a new contract with avehicle owner. Proceeding then to step 610, the dealership reports thata vehicle was treated with the TiO2 solution. The method continues tostep 615, whereby the allocation software logs the treatment by thedealership, and updates a corresponding database entry to reflect alower amount for the dealership's inventory amount of the TiO2 solution.In one embodiment, the allocation software subtracts amount of solutionused from the inventory amount. At step 620, the allocation softwarecompares the new database entry reflecting the dealership's inventoryamount of solution to a threshold shipment amount. If the dealership hasmore inventory than the threshold shipment amount, then the methodproceeds to step 635, and the program terminates. At step 620, if thedealership's inventory amount is less than the threshold amount, thenthe method proceeds to step 625. At step 625, the allocation softwaretriggers a request for shipment from the vendor. At step 630, the vendorships replacement supplies to the dealership. At step 631, the programterminates.

Returning to step 605, if the dealership reports a new contract, thenthe method proceeds to step 640. At step 640, the dealership uses theallocation software to record that a new contract for TiO2 solutiontreatments. The dealership inputs the relevant data for the contract,including the vehicle owner contact information, number of futureretreatments of the vehicle and the time intervals at which retreatmentsare required. The method then proceeds to step 645, where the allocationsoftware creates a billing entry, reflecting the amount Y owed by thedealership to the vendor. In one embodiment, the allocation softwareaccumulates billing entries and generates a periodic bill sent to thedealership. The method then proceeds to step 650, whereby the dealershippays the vendor payment Y.

Referring to FIG. 7 , a method 700 for generating and transmittingnotices between a dealership and a surety. Beginning at step 705, thedealership enters into a surety contract with a surety, guaranteeingperformance of the dealership's contract with a vehicle owner. At step710, the surety determines a premium amount W. At step 715, thedealership pays W to the surety. At step 716, the dealership determinesthe customer action, and the method then proceeds in one of three ways.If the vehicle owner returns to the dealership for a retreatment of theTiO2 solution, then the method proceeds to step 720. If the vehicleowner cancels the contract with the dealership, then the method proceedsto step 740. If the contract between the dealership and the vehicleowner expires, then the method proceeds to step 755.

At step 720, the dealership determines the eligibility of the vehicleowner to receive a treatment. If the vehicle owner is eligible, themethod proceeds to step 725, at which point the dealership provides thevehicle owner with a new treatment of the TiO2 solution. At step 730,the dealership re-certifies that the vehicle has been treated with theTiO2 solution. At step 735, the dealership generates and transmits tothe surety notice that of a claim under the surety contract. At step736, the claim is either accepted or denied.

Returning to step 716, if the vehicle owner cancels the contract withthe dealership, the method proceeds to step 740. At step 740, the suretydetermines a refund amount R or a cancellation penalty. In oneembodiment, R is calculated by subtracting the per-treatment amount A(calculated in step 435) multiplied by n, the number of times that thevehicle has been treated already, from X, the total contract price. In apreferred embodiment:R=X−(Y+(An))  Eq. 2where:

-   -   R=refund amount or calculated penalty    -   A=per-treatment amount    -   X=total contract price    -   Y=dealer cost

At step 745, the dealership refunds R to the vehicle owner. At step 750,the dealership generates and transmits to the surety notice that of aclaim under the surety contract. At step 751, the claim is eitheraccepted or denied.

Returning to step 716, if the contract between the dealership and thevehicle owner expires, then the method proceeds to step 755. At step755, the dealership determines the expiration of the contract, and themethod terminates.

Referring to FIG. 8 , table 800 of chemical ingredients, by % weight,for a preferred embodiment of a TiO2 aqueous solution for use in thevehicle application. Chemical Abstracts Service numbers are included inthe center column. The solution is prepared by combining the water andTiO2 and mixing thoroughly, allowing the TiO2 to evenly disperse insolution. Other chemical components are added in rapid successionthereafter, while mixing. In a preferred embodiment, DI water isprovided at 100° F. and is maintained as this temperature duringagitation. TiO2 should dissolve in solution. If not, agitation iscontinued, while the temperature is raised to 120° F., until ahomogenous solution is achieved.

Referring to FIG. 9 , graph 900 shows efficacy test measurement levelsfor multiple readings. The efficacy test measurements are performed onthe vehicle before and then after the TiO2 application process. Testscan be done on the same surface or on a number of surfaces. However, thesurface(s) tested must be the same from test to test. For example,initial reading 1 is performed when the vehicle is new. Readings 2, 3,and 4 are performed on the one year anniversaries when the vehicle isreturned for re-application. In a preferred embodiment, the processsettings and parameters are changed based on changes in measuredbacterial infestation from test to test. The process parameters includethe TiO2 solution formulation, the application pressure, and the curingtime. The measurements are performed using relative light units (RLUs),which measure the amount of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) present on thesurface. Adenosine triphosphate is used by organisms and organic matteras a unit of energy so that elevated levels of adenosine triphosphateindicate an increased likelihood of the presence of bacteria. In anexample set of tests, reading 1 shows the before treatment value of 2.4RLUs and an after treatment value of 0.1 RLUs. Reading 2 shows a beforetreatment RLU value of 4.4 and after treatment value of 0.025 RLUs.Reading 3 indicates a before treatment value of RLUs and an aftertreatment value of 0.4 RLUs. Reading 4 shows a before treatment value of2.8 RLUs and an after treatment value of 0.2 RLUs.

Referring to FIG. 10 , graph 1000 shows bacterial levels. Graph 1000 maybe provided by system 100 to user client device 104 with dealer server140 after each time the vehicle is brought in treatment. In an exampleset of tests, the top line for untreated values had RLU measurements of3, 3.1, 2.9, and 3.2 for readings 1 through 4. The bottom line showsafter treatment readings 1 through 4 with RLU measurements of 0.2, 0.4,1, and 0.1.

Referring to FIG. 11 , graph 1100 shows bacteria eradication testresults. In an example set of tests, the relative frequency of non-zeroreadings is at 0.98 for untreated surfaces and at 0.15 for treatedsurfaces.

Referring to FIG. 12 , table 1200 of chemical ingredients, by % weight,for another preferred embodiment of a TiO2 aqueous solution for use inthe vehicle application. The aqueous solution employs an anatase dopedTiO2 in the range of about 1.50% to about 15.00%. The introduction ofdoping agents during the generation of the TiO2 changes the crystallinestructure and allows the TiO2 to absorb light over a broader lightspectrum. This increases the photocatalytic effects of the TiO2 whenexposed to light with longer wavelengths, such as interior lights.Absorption of light at longer wavelengths decreases the need forexposure to light with UV wavelengths to obtain the maximum disinfectingbenefits of the TiO2.

The doping compositions may preferably be drawn from the groupconsisting of silver, zinc, silicon, carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, iron,molybdenum, ruthenium, copper, osmium, rhenium, rhodium, tin, platinum,lithium, sodium, and potassium and combinations thereof. Particularlypreferred doping agents are zinc, silver, silicon, and copper orcombinations thereof. Zinc, silver, and copper have disinfectant andantimicrobial characteristics which can work in combination with thedisinfectant qualities of the TiO2.

In a preferred embodiment, 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3 propanediol is includedat about 0.10% to about 1.00% for increased solution stability anddispersion. Thymol is included at about 0.3% to about 1.00% as anadditional disinfectant. Fragrances is included at about 0.001% to about0.30%. Fragrances can be from multiple natural fragrances or essentialoils including but not limited to anise, basil, cedar, cinnamon, citron,eucalyptus, frankincense, geranium, grapefruit, jasmine, lavender,lemon, lime, mandarin, mint, nutmeg, orange, peppermint, pine, rose,spearmint, tangerine, and wintergreen and combinations thereof. Apreferred fragrance is clean kitchen lemon from International Aromatics,Inc. sold under product code 07-18-79391. The remainder of the aqueoussolution is deionized water.

In a preferred embodiment, the fragrance for the aqueous solution can beselected per customer preference or request.

As used herein, the term “about” means±0.5%.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for chemically disinfecting aninterior of a vehicle comprising: providing a chemical compositioncomprising anatase doped TiO₂, thymol, and deionized water; applying thechemical composition to the interior of the vehicle in an airbornesuspension; sealing the vehicle; curing the chemical composition; and,wiping the interior of the vehicle.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising: providing 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3 propanediol to the chemicalcomposition.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the step of curing furthercomprises exposing the chemical composition to ultraviolet light.
 4. Themethod of claim 3 wherein the step of exposing further comprisesexposing the chemical composition to ultraviolet light in a range ofabout 320 nm to about 395 nm.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the stepof providing further comprises: providing the chemical composition witha formula: anatase doped TiO₂ about 3.00% to about 10.00%2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3 propanediol about 0.10% to about 0.30% thymol about0.40% to about 0.65% fragrance about 0.001% to about 0.10% deionizedwater about 88.85% to about 96.50%.


6. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing furthercomprises: providing the chemical composition with a formula: anatasedoped TiO₂ about 5.00% to about 6.00% 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3 propanediolabout 0.18% to about 0.20% thymol about 0.51% to about 0.55% fragranceabout 0.001% to about 0.01% deionized water about 93.45% to about95.61%.


7. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of providing the chemicalcomposition further comprises providing the anatase doped TiO₂ is dopedwith one of a group of zinc, silver, copper, silicone, and combinationsthereof.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying furthercomprises: applying the chemical composition with one of a group of aspray bottle, an aerosol can, and a spray can.
 9. The method of claim 1wherein the step of applying further comprises: applying the chemicalcomposition with a fogger.